JZ's Reign of Winter (The Frozen Stars) (Inactive)

Game Master JamZilla

Ah cool, thought it was only spells. You passed in that case.

move to aa14

nothing I can cast quickly Nas, we have to close them down, take away their ranged advantage he replies to the wild girl as he hurries forward, scrambling behind another pillar, expecting an arrow to strike him at any moment .

Nasrin grunts at Elleross' explanation then jumps up, breaks cover and scrambles deeper into the darkness. Picking her way through the gloom guided by Sapphire's light, she gets closer to what she hopes are her enemies.

Double move to V14, behind another pillar.

With her Totem Transformation, Nasrin does have Scent and Low Light vision.

Receiving an arrow in reply to his entreaties, Del grunts at the pain and shakes his head as he rushes onward deeper into building. As he dashes on, he mutters darkly to himself, "Ok, so we're to have a problem then. Splendid." As he slams up into the pillar, seeking shelter from the hungry arrows, he calls out, "I hear children! What have you done to them?!"

Double move to M14 (I'm hoping what looks to be a pillar on the map might also provide some cover)

We're in it now keep moving forward. He shouts as he dashes forward, hiding behind a pillar.

move to v19

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

With his focus on reaching the far end of the church Corum rushes past the corridor to the right and fails to spot the figure there. He continues on, leaping up to the dais. He scans the shadows for signs of movement. Once he spots his prey he intends to do them harm, lots of harm.

move to m19

Sapphire Will save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 Success
Nasrin Will save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 Fail

As Del and Corum before her, Nasrin hears the screeches of children and it grates on her every nerve.

Nasrin, you are affected by Crushing Despair

Round 3 - Enemy

As Del runs forward his keen darkvision picks out four skeletal figures at the rear of the cathedral, they train longbows at the party and ratty quivers hang on their sides.

Skeleton 1, Del: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 2 = 25 Hit
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Skeleton 2, Del: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 2 = 20 Miss, with cover

Skeleton 3, Corum: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 2 = 21 Miss, with cover
Skeleton 4, Corum: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 2 = 19 Miss, with cover

Meanwhile, two more creatures burst out of the shadows in either hall that flank the central corridor. They screech as they run and gleefully try to tear into Sapphire with sharp needle-like claws.

Huecuva 1, Sapphire: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 = 11 Miss
Huecuva 2, Sapphire, flank: 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 2 + 2 = 25 Hit
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Sapphire Fort save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 Success

Round 3 - Heroes

Latest Map

Nasrin tries to shake off the screeches of the children, but something in them reminds her too much of her own brothers. Unbidden, tears begin streaming down her cheeks. The feral girl responds as she has trained herself to do: she fights.

Stepping around the pillar, she closes with the undead thing attacking Sapphire. Her scimitar swings out, connecting but failing to do anything to the clawed monster.

Attack, CD, Flank: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 8 - 2 + 2 = 17 for Damage: 1d6 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 - 2 = 5

Moving T14, move via V14-U13-T14. Flanking with Sapphire, but doing no damage due to DR :/

move to x12

He can hear the sounds of battle and the grunts of pain as his friends are attacked.
Spinning away from the cover of the supporting cumb he moves toward the small set of stairs, as he nears them he can see what they are facing.

knowledge religeon: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

the restless dead inhabit this ruin! Be careful I do not know what kind they are. he shouts out a warning but all are dangerous! Don't hold anything back destroy them

He can see the angle is bad, the creatures flanking Sapphire are visciously clawing at her, he can barely see the one behind her and he needs to make sure he hits at least one of them.

Gathering his power he unleashes the pyramids of force that he knows cannot fail to strike their target.
A moment of doubt creeps into his mind as he remembers the swarm of birds....but these are not a swarm and this time his magic will not miss.
Combining the strands of power within the spell structure he multiplies its power.

..... Magia Vis, Potestas ictus!

magic missile: 4d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 4, 1, 1) + 4 = 14

targeting the one closest to me j

Greyston sees the two called out before move into attack Sapphire hearing Ellerosis words he pulls out a vial."Sapphire look out!" He shouts moving closer to Sapphire and the undead, standing just outside their range he lobs a bomb at their feet.

attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 26
damage: 3d6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 1, 2) + 5 = 13

including the other one not including friends dc16 for slash/set on fire

Del grunts loudly as another arrow finds purchase in his flesh. "Hey! This is my nicest coat! Stop that!" Glancing back to the thickening melee in the middle of the room, Del calls, "We've got skeletons up here! I don't think Ruby or any of my other tricks will be much good against naught but bone, I'm afraid." He glances at the flash powder in the pouch at his hip and wonders softly, "How do those skeletons see us anyway? They don't even have eyes."

Shrugging, he pops off a shot at one of the undead harrying Sapphire in the center of the room before hopping down and dashing for the cover of the nearest side hall.

Ruby: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16for: 1d8 ⇒ 8

Snap off a shot, hustle to R11

Think I lost a move action there as had posted to move to the eastern corridor of the hall, but will happily use a standard action instead to activate hair hex!

Sapphire fliches back from the skeletal claws, sidestepping away from the kill zone between both undead, her arm swinging out wide as she releases magical energy in to the blade, bringing it around two handed to smash with full force in to the creatures.

Step to U16 to break flank
Mwk cold iron longsword: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 9 + 1 = 29
slashing: 1d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 = 11
crit confirm: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 9 + 1 = 29
crit addl. damage: 1d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 = 13 24 damage total
hair: 1d20 + 5 - 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 - 5 = 14
bludgeoning: 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Status: 13/35 hp, AC 21

Corum closes the distance with the archers and ducks behind a pillar just as a volley of arrows smashes into it. He glances back to see Sapphire and Nasrin engaged in the centre of the church right in the field of fire of the archers. He bursts from cover and charges recklessly at the nearest archer, aiming a mighty blow with his axe.

Pa charge j20 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 11 - 2 = 12

Dam 1d10 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 6 = 21

The undead ambush breaks as Elleros blasts a series of smoking holes in the side of the head of one of the gaunt creatures assaulting Sapphire whilst she herself spins and slices it's head clean from it's shoulders even as it turns to scream at the wizard. Greyston's bomb engulfs the other and it is left smoking and almost ruined by the explosion.

Meanwhile, at the north end of the hall, Ruby takes a slight chink out of the rib bones of one of the skeletons whilst Corum's powerful but wayward slash passes over the skull of another only to crash into the column beside in a shower of sparks.

Round 4 - Enemy

Skeleton 1, Del: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 2 = 19 Miss, with cover

Skeleton 2, Del: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 = 13 Miss, with cover

Skeleton 3, Corum: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 2 = 25 Hit
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Skeleton 4, Corum: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 2 = 16 Hit
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

The skeletons step away from Corum and send another two arrows into his gut.

The creature besides Sapphire lashes out with it's claws in fury and pain but now that she has eyes on her target her superior swordswomanship allows her to easily aviod the attacks.

Huecever 1, Sapphire, Claw: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 Miss
Huecever 1, Sapphire, Claw: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 Miss

Round 4 - Heroes

Silently exhulting in destroying one of the vile things, Sapphire redoubles her efforts to finish the second one as well

Mwk cold iron longsword: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 1 = 27
slashing: 1d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 1 = 10
hair: 1d20 + 5 - 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 - 5 = 13
bludgeoning: 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Status: 13/35 hp, AC 21

Corum swears as his attack misses. The skeletons' arrows hammer into his torso but avoid any major organs and he grunts in pain. He spits blood and marchez forward relentlessly. He snarls "My turn!" before hammering his axe into the ribs of the nearest archer.

Intimidate 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

pa 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 11 - 2 = 26

Dam 1d10 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18

hp36/53

Does Sapphire drop her target?

Sapphire spins and with a backhand cut slices open the creature's belly, watching with grim satisfaction as it slumps to the ground

Nasrin grins at Sapphire and then sprints away, dropping her scimitar to the ground with a clang. She pulls her club off it sling on her back as she runs, making a bee-line towards one of the archers. She manages to knock the skeleton a glancing blow, and hopefully it is enough to spoil the skeleton's aim.

Club, Charge, CD: 1d20 + 7 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 2 - 2 = 23 for Damage: 1d6 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 2 = 3

Charge from T14 to J18 and thump the skellie; AC15 because of the charge

Watching the skeleton fall to Sapphires attack he moves forward giving her a quick glance to check how wounded she is, seeing her still standing be continues to move north to help the others.

Taking a vial out shaking it up and lobbing it towards the skeletons.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 2 - 1 = 10
damage: 3d6 + 5 ⇒ (2, 1, 6) + 5 = 14

move to s18 bomb i18 - miss so move it over one to i17 only hit splash on one

Watching his arcane missiles slam into the undead, he feels a sense of relief as Sapphire uses the opportunity to finish them both.
He is too far away from the others, the skeletons are beyond the range of most of his spells and he hurries forward as far as he can.
Passing Sapphire he can see she is hurt, blood flowing freely from her wounds.

sapphire, you are hurt. dont take any unnecessary risks he says as he hurries past her
I need to get closer, I can't target them from here

move to r14

Del leans out and returns fire before ducking back behind cover again. From his slightly more secure position, he calls out, "What are a bunch of undead doing in one of Desna's blessed houses?! And stop shooting us!"
Ruby: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25for: 1d8 ⇒ 7

Sapphire grins back at Nasrin in triumph as the wolf woman sprints towards the remaining enemies.

Watching as Elleross jogs past her she can't help but smile as his robes fly about all around him, she shouts back

No promises old Wolf, it's worth bleeding a bit more to end these horrid things all the quicker!

Round 5 - Enemy

Skeleton 1, Del: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 2 = 27 Hit
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Skeleton 2, Del: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 = 13 Miss

Skeleton 3, Corum: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 = 11 Miss

Skeleton 4, Corum: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 2 = 18 Hit
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

The undead fear neither defeat nor destruction and even as the party closes in the skeletons fire off another volley of arrows, striking Del badly in the chest and Corum once again through the arm.

Even as one smoulders from Greyston's bomb and another's jawbone hangs loosely from Corum's mighty blow, they continue their relentless firing.

Round 5 - Heroes

Greyston continues forward with determination to end the fight, closing down the distance his aim will be better. I wont miss this time. Throwing his bomb he wants to end it now.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 20
Damage: 3d6 + 5 ⇒ (3, 3, 1) + 5 = 12

Move to N17 - Can you aim it so i can do max damage? i assume i can only hit 2 but if i can get all 4 i will just do slash to them all dc 17 and to catch on fire.

Is the current map accurate? If so, my movement away from these skeletons to the eastern hall seems to have been overlooked, which may have a direct impact upon my status as a pincushion

Even though the multiple arrow wounds are beginning to take their to Corum doesn't notice the latest arrow to pierce his body. Adrenaline fuels his rage and the he is only vaguely aware of the pain. His entire focus is on the destruction of their attackers.

He swings his axe again, this time bringing the blade down on the skeleton's shoulder. Even though the blade does not cut bone as effectively as flesh the weight of the axe and power of the blow still do significant damage.

Pa 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 11 - 2 = 23

Dam 1d10 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

hp29/53

Also, by 'eastern' I meant 'western'. Also, probably not worth the hooplah to retcon so I'll run with it. =P

"Hey! What did I just say about shooting at us? Stop alreeeeaaadyyy~ uhhhh, I feel kind of woozy..." Del's retort fades to a slurred mumble as he clumsily looses another bolt before wobbling and sinking to the ground. Looking at the arrow protruding from just above his stomach, he groggily observes, "Oh. Look at that. At least it missed my good coat. Is it cold in here?"

Ruby: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12for: 1d8 ⇒ 5

No the current map isn't accurate Del. I posted quickly on lunch earlier but couldn't do the map. Will do so shortly.

Sapphire, Nasrin and Elleros to act

Skel 1 ref: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17 Success
Skel 2 ref: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17 Success

The skeletons char badly but do not ignite from Greyston's bomb although Corum smashes one of the skeletons into a pile of bones.

Pressed against the pillar he breathes heavily, the weight of the furs combined with his age causing his to gasp as he runs from cover to cover.
He can smell the damp and decay of this run down church, its former glory now tainted by the vile undead that now inhabit it and trying to steady his racing heart he takes a deep breath and steps out into the open.
The skeleton before him turns its unholy eyeless sockets toward him and he stares right back into those dark pits and Raises his hand.

... Calor,ardescit,ignis barking the words of power he completes the spell and unleashes a bright ray of twisting fire that surges from his open hand and streaks across the dark church toward its target

scorching ray: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
dam: 4d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 6, 2) = 12

move to p13, attacking the skeleton at j13.

Elleros' spell blasts into the skeleton, reducing the entire top half into a pile of smouldering ash.

Sapphire follows everyone else, blazing a trail across the scuffed stone floor and plouging in to the remaining skeletons with all her might.

2h Mwk cold iron longsword:: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 1 = 25
slashing:: 1d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 = 13

Sapphire's sword crashes down on the skeleton like a hammer, smashing it's sternum to pieces and leaving it crumpled on the floor.

Combat Over

Sapphire breathes heavily, staring for a few moments at the smashed pieces of bone as if daring them to keep attacking. She snaps her gaze to the side as the adrenaline of battle wears off and her wounds start to tug at her awareness, a hazy sharp tearing sensation where the arrows are still embedded in her body.

She glances over at the others and winces in sympathy as she sees the wooden shafts sticking out of Nasrin, Del and Corum too. Grimly she swallows down the pain and continues looking around

I hope that's it, but we had better check the rest of the inside here, don't want any nasty surprises whilst we're tending our wounds...

Keeping her still glowing sword drawn she moves around the interior of the building, making sure to check any nooks and crannys that could be hiding any other nasty surprises.

Moving anti-clockwise if that makes a difference JZ

There are no more enemies in the cathedral

Sapphire finishes the last skeleton anf Corum spots the body of his fallen comrade. He rushes to Del and takes a potion from his pack. Holding his head with one hand he force feeds the half orc a healing potion made by Grey.

Clw 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Del sputters and jerks with a start as the bitter curative washes down his throat. As his eyes open, he takes a gasp of air before spinning around with Ruby, "Foul undead in Desna's house! Where are they? Where are the kids?" As he realizes the skeletons and other two undead creatures were all that lingered here, Del's shoulder sag as the urgency melts from him. "All dead then? Err, again, I guess. And there aren't any children here are there? Just a cruel trick I take it?"

As the remains of the skeleton collapse into a pile of ash and charred bone The old judge looks around for another target, ready to blast another one into smithereens.
With relief he can see the last of the u dead fall before Sapphires onslaught

is everyone ok? he asks as he looks around, Corum rushes past him and he follows the warrior, only then realising that Dell has fallen.

Inheritors blood! I didnt notice him fall, he looks like a pin cusion. Is he still breathing Corum? he asks with urgency as he moves toward the fallen archer, the arrows protruding from his body are in deep and he fears the worst.
With great relief he watches the half Orc splutter back to consciousness as Corum forces the potion down his throat.
that was a close call Dell, are you ok? What children are you talking about? Nadyas boys are outside he says concerned the man may be hallucinating from loss of blood
take your time, you are still hurt badly, here drink another potion. You need it he says and he passes him a small vial

giving dell a potion of clw

Del takes the proferred potion wearily, his arm rubbery with fatigue. "I heard the screams and wails of children before, like they were trapped."

clw: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

As he lowers the empty bottle he looks at it sideways before glancing back up to Elleross, "That was a magical potion, right? Not just a fancy bottle of water?" He flashes a crooked grin and a wink at the old judge before accepting Corum's extended hand to get back on his feet. Glancing at his coat, he wiggles one sad, green finger through a large hole in his coat before shooting those around him an exaggerated frown. "Boney bastards ruined my coat!"

Elleross frowns as the potion has little effect on dels grievous injuries.
I dislike this type of potion, too damn inefficient. You can never tell the potency of the distilled Magic inside, not until you take it....and of course then it may be too late he says as he rummages within his pack and draws out another vial
greyston, you are an expert with alchemical liquids, why are they so diverse in their effects? There must be a way to Improve them don't you think? he asks the young elf drink another one Dell, hopefully it will prove more potent than the last
Turning away from Dell he looks at the others and he can see they are hurt
how badly are the rest of you hurt? Once we secure the church we will need to tend to you as best we can

after this one I will have 4 clw potions left

clw: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

"Hey! That one had some oompf to it. Still wish it could fix my coat though." Del frowns as he worms the index finger of his free hand through the new holes in his long coat, an inconsolate frown darkening his face.

Soon though the mood passes and Del begins rooting around and exploring the Desnan temple. "Say, what do you think it would take to clean this place up? Desna deserves better than to have one of her houses left in such a state."

Corum helps Del up and begins pulling arrows from his body. Gritting his teeth he snaps one that protrudes from his arm and pushes it all the way through so he can pull it without leaving splinters in the wound. Blood wells then runs freely to pool on the floor. He wrenches another from his side and laughs bitterly. "Bloody archers!"

He tears some strips of cloth from his pack and begins to bind his wounds. Finally he removes his last two potions from his pack and drains them. The healing liquid starts to close his wounds and he smiles in relief.

clw x2 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (8, 1) + 6 = 15

hp44/53.

"These undead must have been left behind by the witchers.. maybe it had something to do with that pocket of summer? could this be their payback for what the druids were doing?" He look around the dark dank church normally a place to feel safe but it now gives off a more sinister feel.

Walking over to Aid Del he stands next to Elleross. "In my research i've found its the skill of the person brewing such potion and the ingredients some just aren't as potent, while you rely on your magic to instill the effects of a potion i've found way to copy the effects of magic and improve it slightly.. But most have deadly side effects that i have become immune to it's only my vials of positive energy that i have been able to refine so their not poisonous."

He then moves to watch up with Sapphire, as she runs off checking the rest of the church. "Saphire please, let me look at your wounds. Here take my last potion." He then slowly takes out each arrow and cleans the wounds so they can heal up safely when she drinks her potion.

My last CMW+4

Sapphire returns to the group, red stains covering her clothing.

She holds a hand up as Greyston approaches

I know you want to help, just one moment...

she holds her breath and snaps off one of the wooden shafts, then places it between her teeth and bites down. Then she looks at Greyston and nods. As each arrow is pulled through and dropped to the floor, more blood wells up, and as the last comes free she spits out the wood and quaffs the potion, staunching the bleeding almost immediately.

cmw: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (4, 4) + 4 = 12

Relief evident on her face she offers a brief smile

Thanks

She returns to the front of the cathedral and closes the doors, barring them if there is anything around to use. She then does another circuit of the area using detect magic to see if anything reacts.

Status: hp 25/35

There is loot guys but I don't have the book with me to update that. The church is now safe though so feel free to RP out resting for the night or whatever and I'll update the loot when I can

guys. Remember I owe you all 280 gp each for that belt. So when it comes to loot we need to adjust the split accordingly.

Corum helps check the rest of the church. Content no further threats lurk in the shadows he clears an area at the back of the church to set up camp while some of the others bring the dog teams and sleds inside.

He gathers armfulls of wood from the piles of detritus scattered around (most likely the remains of pews long since fallen into ruin) and sets to making a fire.

He then begins cooking a stew using some dried goods and the brace of hares Nasrin caught.

While it is cooking he mends the tears in his furs with rough stitches and then sharpens his axe. Looking up from his work he looks at the others.

"Close today again. This is a dangerous trip but we survive. Our enemies don't. We all did well today. That ambush could have been fatal. Tomorrow..."
He shrugs. "Who knows. Maybe we find this town. Maybe we don't. How far now Nadya?"

A day, no more. she replies. I can't believe this place. I'm glad I'm not making this trip alone, one or two of those things I could take. The archers... she shakes her head. What could have happened here?

Sapphire looks around grimly

I dread to think what might have caused a house of a good goddess to become the lair of such evil creatures...

She follows Corum's lead and borrows needle and thread to complete makeshift repairs on her outfit.

Looking up she looks lost in thought

Del, didn't you say you heard something when you were moving through the hall during the fight?

Del looks over from his place by the ruined altar as he does his able best to clean and restore it as much as is possible, "I heard the wails of children, yeah. It sounded like they were trapped, but unless someone has a better explanation I was thinking that was just a trick cast by those two bony fiends that went after Sapphire." He shrugs at his own explanation, comfortable and unashamed that he's out of his depth with regard to such things.